Thinking of getting a 4x5 enlarger - thoughts vs scanning

[Serge S]

The best way to obtain one...locally, as shipping can be very expensive. What kind?

I'm not sure, I saw it a number of years ago.
Will found out soon & report back.

I used to print (35 /6x6 & 6x7) with a C700 omega in a very rudimentary space.
Working with a 4x5 entails a more involved commitment to getting the work area organized - a bit more daunting!

[jnantz]

I'm not sure, I saw it a number of years ago.
Will found out soon & report back.

I used to print (35 /6x6 & 6x7) with a C700 omega in a very rudimentary space.
Working with a 4x5 entails a more involved commitment to getting the work area organized - a bit more daunting!

the good folks at VCP (in Brattleboro) or further south at NEPHS (2x a year). might able to point you in the right direction for a 4x5 enlarger..
some folks active in both sometimes post here or on pho3-o

[Larry Gebhardt]

If your local source falls through I have a few Omega D5 chassis in the attic of my garage, and I believe a condenser head, if you are interested in a trip to southern NH.

[John Kasaian]

Bathrooms can make excellent darkrooms. Really.

[xkaes]

You haven't been in some the the bathrooms I have been in.

[Alan Klein]

What does your wife say about using her bathroom?

[Leszek Vogt]

Just spotted (listing) Omega DII not far from here for $300 (CDN).....but traveling across the country for it makes no sense.

**Disclaimer**....have no connection with the sale of this unit.

[MILC Toast]

I think my estimates are pretty reasonable.

My shed cost $2,000 but it's insulated fiberglass and air-conditioned. I rent and have roommates so a bathroom darkroom is not feasible. My shed is on land I own but I don't live there yet. If I can get all of my equipment for $500 (fingers crossed), I still need something like a solar generator to run the AC, the enlarger light, ventilation and water pump. That puts me up near $4,000 although most of it is cost already sunk in to my shed and for power to run it.

If I had a spare room or usable bathroom, I might be able to set up for far less than $2,000 but a spare room or usable bathroom is an expense you pay for also.

If I had $10,000 to spend I would be able to get a nice scan and print setup, maybe even a 48" printer to do 48x60" prints but I don't think I would enjoy it very much. Every time I've tried editing software in the last 25 years it has been a painful experience even though I'm pretty computer literate (worked in tech 15+ years using software on Solaris and Linux systems).

So if I had that $10,000, I would probably still build a budget darkroom in my shed and spend the other $5-6,000 on fun stuff.

[Corran]

Of course building a whole shed and powering with solar will be the bulk of the expense. My first enlarger, along with enough accessories to start printing 4x5, was $350 from a member on this forum. I don't think enlarger and related gear have gone up much, it's just whether or not you can find anything somewhat local.

I have 2 enlargers in my basement that I've been trying to give away for months, along with lots of accessories. Two folks have just been flaky about picking up.

I don't think I've spent $2k on my enlarging setup at all, including a few Beselers, lots of lenses and large trays, print washer, etc.. Heck I hired a guy to build me a completely custom workbench setup across my entire darkroom and also built a large island in the center myself and all of that custom work was only $1500, though I suppose costs on wood/construction materials have certainly increased.

[Tin Can]

Forgive me for repetition...not

I will not give away or sell for low price anymore LF/ULF gear of any kind

All I have given away! Was discarded! Giant Elwood, I love your Timelessness

"What's the difference between Art Deco and art nouveau?
Art Nouveau and Art Deco are two of the defining art movements of the 20th century, influencing all elements of visual culture, from fine art and design, to architecture and graphic arts. Where Art Nouveau celebrates elegant curves and long lines, Art Deco consists of sharp angles and geometrical shapes."

Elwood has both



When I am dead, you can pry it from my fingers

and you will waste it anyway

Let me count my treasures on fingers and toes

as my eyes dim to black

I have 3 working Elwoods, all different